Dear Me: Kwena Baloyi

To kick start our series we shine light on the uber talented Kwena Baloyi- style therapist + culture curator and all round fashion icon in the making. Kick back, pour yourself a glass of bubbly + take a peak at what 29 year old Kwena would say to her 17 year old younger self.

Dear 17 year old Kwena,

You are a brave lady and I congratulate you for being strong at a very young age. It was not easy but you didn't let the circumstances make you fail but instead you used it for the good and for winning in life. As a young woman you needed someone to talk to, someone to listen to you, I thank you for going out to find it because it was not there at home. I just love and appreciate how you never let what was happening or going on at home stop you from doing well + succeeding in life.

It was definitely hard to grow up so fast but it's doing the most right now for me the 29 year old Kwena, you laid a great foundation and I'll always be grateful. You saw that no one will get you where you need to, you realised that at a very early age and rose against it all, against all the negativity. You saw beyond your circumstances and didn’t blame anyone for what was happening in your life but focused on building a strong foundation and you always believed it was possible.

As hard as it was, I’d like to thank you for learning how to forgive those around you at such an early age, you learnt how to build walls against what was not building you, for that I love you! You’re a fighter and you always saw good in others, you did well for others even when nobody was doing a thing for you. You’re a pure heart that did for others without any expectations, it’s what’s gotten you here to the great 29 year old Kwena. Because of you, 29 year old Kwena is a game changer and I’m thankful that you snatched up opportunities, you went for it, you are unapologetic and because of you that’s why i'll never allow failure to have a seat at my table.

You used to play with the kids from the neighbourhood, telling them stories, taking them under your wing-looking after them and at that time you didn't know you were laying a foundation to an empire of leadership the 29yrs old me is building now. Ohhh and knowing that without confidence you have no say, that was the best thing you did for us and now I’m here helping fellow kweens to see the value of confidence + self esteem + how that’s needed for survival.

Thank you for being the best, I'm happy and proud of the choices you made, you being your real self, giving people you, being proud of where you’re from and who you are, forever telling your stories of how you survived. Even if people thought why would you share such shameful stories, you knew they were keys to the best life could offer, and also they’ll help others know they’re not alone.

You’re truly a gem and I always say I'll go back to you any time, because you did the most for this 29 year old to be where she is. I'm forever grateful, you are enough and well done.